links for 2006-08-17

How would hard-core Core-Gap’ists handle this: “The argument that “Counterinsurgency” “overstresses winning ‘hearts and minds’ ” at the expense of killing insurgents is also not founded. Winning the allegiance of the people and military operat

Sharia isn’t taking hold throughout Somalia: “Northern Somali authorities loyal to the interim government on Tuesday hunted down clerics trying to spread the grip of Mogadishu-based Islamists, and peace talks scheduled for Sudan were put on hold….Police

Is American Cultural Diplomacy really coming back? “With the United States’ reentry into UNESCO after a 19-year absence and a leadership transition at the Department of State, we are poised for a much-needed reinvigoration and rethinking of American cultu

More stress at Bush Federalism resulting from over-stressing regular forces? “Many local officials, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, have been critical of what they describe as federal interference with their National Guard forces. That